Re: Client from Hell redux

[joanne grey <j_grey -at- writeangles -dot- com>]

Ron Sering wrote:

> What does one do to retain a degree of professionalism and
> make sure that they understand that the inevitable cost
> overruns and missed deadlines are their problem, not mine?

Make sure that it's in the contract; specify as clearly as possible the
expected behavior for you and for them, your needs to get the job done
and their requirement to provide those things. Specify what happens if
they fail to provide requirements or change directions. Put it IN
WRITING so that they can't come back and claim that they don't
understand what happened. 

If possible, include a penalty for such behavior, whether in the form of
an additional fee or a clause stating that you contractually stop work
if they don't provide you the needed materials until such materials are
provided.

Provide weekly (or whatever) reports, stating your progress, documenting
changes in direction and requirements not met, and estimate the impact
of that on the project.

And be ready to stand firm if they fail to come through.

This one I know from experience.

   -joanne

______________________________________________
Joanne Grey      http://www.writeangles.com
Write Angles     mailto:j_grey -at- writeangles -dot- com
              

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant
of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all
of these. -George Washington Carver